Top 9 Eco-Friendly Roofing Choices for Your Home

Top 9 Eco-Friendly Roofing Choices for Your Home

Given the world’s growing environmental concerns, finding ways to make homes more sustainable has become a top priority for many homeowners. If you’re one of those people who want to go green, then you should definitely consider eco-friendly roofing. Instead of traditional asphalt shingle roofing, Maupin Roofing is here to walk you through some of the best eco-friendly roofing materials available. They don’t just look good, either—they are also kind and gentle to nature (as all things should be)!

Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Brightening Your Home

What Are the Benefits of Eco-Friendly Roofing Materials?

A house with an eco-friendly roofing and a spacious lawn.

Choosing an eco-friendly roof is always a smart move. Not only do these roofs help with the environment, but they also come with a bunch of perks for homeowners. From saving on energy costs to extending your roof’s lifespan, there’s a lot to love about eco-friendly options in roofing. To name a few, here are some of their benefits:

Energy Efficiency

One of the main advantages that eco-friendly roofing has over other roofing materials is how sustainable roofing guarantees that you use as little energy as possible to regulate your indoor temperature, which leads to a more affordable electric bill. They’re specially designed to help your home stay cool in hotter seasons, which allows your air conditioning to work more efficiently and reduce energy consumption.

Sustainability

Using sustainable roofing materials means you’re using resources in a way that meets your needs without unnecessarily harming the planet. This includes using recycled materials and reducing your carbon footprint by adopting sustainable methods in construction. So, with sustainable material options, you can reduce your negative environmental impact while also creating a healthier living space for you and your family.

Longer Roof Lifespan

Eco-friendly roofing materials typically have a longer lifespan compared to other roofing materials. While traditional roofs might need to be replaced every 15-20 years, many eco-friendly roofing options can actually last much longer—sometimes even up to 50 years. Particularly, materials like metal or slate roof shingles are incredibly sturdy and can handle various weather conditions without deteriorating dramatically.

Better Air Quality

You get to improve air quality with eco-friendly roofing materials. This is because most of these materials have the ability to filter out pollutants from the air, which can work wonders for those with allergies. For example, some green roofs with plants can absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making the air around your home so much fresher.

Preservation of Natural Resources

Of course, last but not least, every eco-friendly roofing option helps in preserving natural resources and in cutting down carbon emissions. Traditional roofing materials often need new resources, like petroleum for asphalt shingles, which can take a toll on the environment in the long run. But with eco-friendly options, you’re using materials that are repurposed or produced in a way that minimizes negative impact on the environment. This is why many people are now looking for sustainable options for residential properties as well as eco-friendly roofing for businesses.

Top 10 Eco-Friendly Roofing Options to Consider for Your Home

1. Metal Roofs

Gray metal roof.

Metal roofing is a popular roofing option for commercial buildings, but not everyone knows that you can also get a metal roof for your home. One of the biggest reasons to consider metal roofs for your residential property is the fact that they help a lot with energy savings. Due to their reflective material, metal roofing naturally diverts the sun’s rays, which lowers a building’s heat absorption and leads to a decrease in cooling costs. Additionally, their reflective nature also prevents toxic emissions from properties like coal-fired plants.

Aside from that, metal roofing is also fire-resistant, recyclable, and sturdy. In fact, metal roofs can last for 50 years or more. Now, in terms of appearance, metal roofs can come in various colors and styles. So, you’re sure to find a perfect fit for your property.

2. Cool Roofs

Cool roofs have become quite popular lately. This roofing system is made from a number of materials including reflective coatings or specially designed shingles with added reflective granules. Cool roofs also include light-colored roofs (like a pale gray or white roof) which are proven to absorb less heat and improve energy efficiency.

Similar to metal roofs, they can bounce the sun’s rays off their surface and reflect heat, which is especially beneficial for regions with hot climates as it keeps energy bills down. Additionally, a cool roof can help combat the urban heat island effect, which basically refers to the phenomenon where building materials and roads in a city trap heat during the day, leading to higher overall temperatures.

3. Green Roofs or Living Roofs

Two houses with green roofs.

In the world of sustainable roofing, green roofing is an undeniably popular concept. Its appeal can mostly be attributed to its visual appearance—which is basically characterized by lush plants and greenery on top of a roof, kind of like an elevated mini garden. When you get a green roof, not only is your home the most interesting property on the block, but you’re also benefiting from its natural insulation, which can help lower both cooling and heating costs as it’s great at keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Other advantages include better air quality (thanks to the plants) and rainwater absorption which can reduce runoff and prevent flooding, especially in crowded cities. But don’t forget to give your green roof the proper maintenance and care it deserves; it usually requires basic maintenance like watering and occasional weeding, which is really not that big a deal when you consider the advantages it has to offer.

4. Cedar Wood Shake Roofs

Cedar wood shingles have several benefits that make them a great choice if you’re looking for eco-friendly roofing. For starters, they’re made from natural cedar wood. Cedar trees can be responsibly harvested without harming the environment, and they also happen to grow back quickly. So, when you choose cedar wood shakes from forests with environmentally friendly processes, you’re supporting sustainable forestry practices.

Additionally, cedar wood shake roofing provides natural insulation and is resistant to moisture and pests. These roofing materials also aren’t lacking in terms of appearance, as they give off a classic and simple look that appeals to many homeowners. Just remember that proper cleaning, sealing, and regular maintenance will keep them looking brand new.

5. Solar Roofs

A professional installs solar panels on a roof.

Combine an environmentally friendly roof with renewable energy, and you get a solar roof! Solar roofing has several types, namely solar panels and solar tiles. Solar panels are sleek, rectangular devices mounted directly on top of your roofing, be it asphalt roofing shingles, flat roofs, or metal roofs. On the other hand, solar tiles are a bit more stylish. The solar cells are directly built into the roof tiles, making it appear like a regular roofing system and thus allowing your home to blend in with the rest of the neighborhood. The choice between the two kinds of solar roofing ultimately depends on your personal preference.

This roofing material is a game-changer, especially when considering how it significantly lowers energy costs (if not completely getting rid of it) as it generates electricity from the sun for a household. Compared to traditional electricity production, solar roofing generates clean energy and does not add to air pollution.

6. Slate Tile Roofs

Among sustainable roofing materials are slate tiles. It’s a type of eco-friendly roof that can last an impressive 100 years with proper care and maintenance. So, when you get a slate tile roof, you likely won’t have to replace it even once in your lifetime, which is both a blessing to your wallet and Mother Nature. Many roofing contractors also offer special coatings for slate tiles which helps them become even more energy efficient. It’s also a highly recyclable natural product meaning less waste in the landfills.

Now, on to appearances: A slate tile roof is made from natural stone, giving it a timeless, organic look that can enhance any property’s curb appeal. The tiles are quite heavy so you don’t have to worry about your roofing being ripped apart by high winds and harsh weather conditions.

7. Clay Tile Roofs

eco friendly roofing

Clay roofs, like slate tile roofs, are also known for providing insulation, reflecting heat, and improving a household’s energy efficiency. Additionally, clay tiles are weather- and pest-resistant, meaning they can can last for quite a while. Another benefit of having a clay roof is that it’s resistant to fire and doesn’t fade easily. So, you can rest assured that your clay tiles will serve you for a long time while still looking its best.

8. Concrete Shingle Roofs

A concrete shingle roof is one of the sustainable roofing materials you should definitely consider. These roofs offer energy efficiency as concrete tiles direct the sun and heat away from their surfaces, keeping households cooler. They can also withstand various weather conditions and last for a considerable amount of time, meaning the materials are unlikely to end up as waste. You can also reuse and recycle concrete shingle roofs, which is another environmentally friendly perk. It’s also worth noting that concrete shingle roofs come in an abundance of color and style options, so you don’t have to worry about the roofing not blending in with your existing property.

9. Recycled Roofing Materials

Clay roofs, like slate tile roofs, are also known for providing insulation, reflecting heat, and improving a household’s energy efficiency. Additionally, clay tiles are weather- and pest-resistant, meaning they can can last for quite a while. Another benefit of having a clay roof is that it’s resistant to fire and doesn’t fade easily. So, you can rest assured that your clay tiles will serve you for a long time while still looking its best.

8. Concrete Shingle Roofs

A concrete shingle roof is one of the sustainable roofing materials you should definitely consider. These roofs offer energy efficiency as concrete tiles direct the sun and heat away from their surfaces, keeping households cooler. They can also withstand various weather conditions and last for a considerable amount of time, meaning the materials are unlikely to end up as waste. You can also reuse and recycle concrete shingle roofs, which is another environmentally friendly perk. It’s also worth noting that concrete shingle roofs come in an abundance of color and style options, so you don’t have to worry about the roofing not blending in with your existing property.

9. Recycled Roofing Materials

A house with a recycled roofing system.

At the very heart of environmentally friendly roofing is the practice of recycling and reusing existing roofing materials. With a roof made from recycled materials, you’re helping the environment while also making sure your home gets a sturdy, long-lasting roof that will keep you protected.

Compared to traditional roofing materials, choosing recycled materials for your roof means you’re doing your part to lessen the roofing industry’s impact on the environment. It’s not like you’re getting a bad deal, either. After all, most eco-friendly roofing options are incredibly durable and energy efficient, which can only mean good things for you as a homeowner.

Here are some of the most commonly used recycled roofing materials nowadays:

  • Recycled rubber roofing

  • Recycled shingles

  • Recycled metal roofing

Ready to Go Green? Get In Touch With Maupin Roofing Today!

With 35 years of experience in the industry, our professionals at Maupin Roofing are the experts you deserve for your commercial roofing and residential roofing projects in Oklahoma City. Sustainable roofing is one of our specialties, so you can trust us to deliver only the best solutions!

Contact us today for a free quote and discover how easy it is to go green!